Reading West Java's Economic Inequality During Ridwan Kamil's Governorship: Any Changes?

Ridwan Kamil stepped down as Governor of West Java on September 5, 2023, after five years in office. Various work programs were implemented to address several issues in West Java.

One of West Java's biggest problems is socio-economic inequality. This was stated by Emil, the former governor's nickname, at the beginning of his term. He emphasized his commitment to reducing this inequality through several programs and innovations.

"Our task for the next 5 years is to reduce inequality; the way of life must be fair, we help those who are struggling, and those who are prosperous must provide support," Emil said in a consolidation meeting of the Family Welfare Empowerment Team (TP PKK) in Bandung on Friday, November 30, 2018, as quoted by *Tempo.co*.

Poverty and inequality alleviation were included in Emil's programs during his tenure, including BUMDes Juara (Champion Village-Owned Enterprises), social assistance for the poor, scholarships for the economically disadvantaged (golekmah), and other programs.

So, has the economic inequality or expenditure of West Java's population decreased over the past five years?

Based on data from the West Java Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the Gini ratio, a measure of inequality, was 0.407 points in March 2018. Based on regional classification, urban areas reached 0.418 points, while rural areas were 0.322 points.

From September 2018 to 2019, the cumulative inequality level generally decreased, as shown in the graph. However, it increased again in March 2021 to 0.412 points. This increase was significant compared to the previous calculation period.

After that, the inequality level fluctuated. The sharpest increase occurred at the end of Emil's term, in March 2023, reaching 0.425 points. Of this figure, urban areas contributed significantly, at 0.439 points, while rural areas were 0.321 points.

Looking at the trend, inequality in West Java is higher in urban areas. The figures consistently remain above 0.4 points, while rural areas are above 0.3 points.

West Java BPS states that the Gini ratio is based on the Lorenz curve, which is a cumulative expenditure curve comparing the distribution of consumption expenditure values with a uniform distribution representing the cumulative percentage of the population.

The Gini ratio is scaled from 0-1 points. The higher the number, or the closer it is to 1, the higher the inequality. The inequality categories are as follows:

* Low inequality: 0-0.3 points
* Moderate inequality: 0.3-0.5 points
* High inequality: >0.5 points.

(Also read: [Ridwan Kamil Steps Down, What is the Condition of Unemployment in West Java?](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2023/09/07/ridwan-kamil-lengser-bagaimana-kondisi-pengangguran-di-jawa-barat))